Bata drops De Luna, clinches Asiad 8-Ball slot

MANILA, Philippines - Pool legend Efren “Bata” Reyes got back at Jeffrey de Luna, 11-2, in the finals to clinch the lone berth in the Asian Games 8-ball event in the Asiad qualifiers at the Rizal Memorial Billiards Center in Malate recently.

The former world champion, who lost to De Luna in the third round, fought back from the losers’ bracket to get a crack at the Asiad slot, dominating De Luna in their rematch with a near-flawless game.

He went ahead, 6-1, in the finals behind his trademark shots, including a four-rack break-and-runout en route to the victory.

“My four run-outs were a big factor that’s why I was able to build a big lead early on,” said Reyes, who will also see action in the English Billiards competition in the Asian Games set in November in Guangzhou, China.

“Hopefully, we can perform well in the Asian Games and bring honor to the country again,” said Reyes.

Reyes drew a bye in the first round then defeated Mario Tolentino, 9-6, and dropped an 8-9 loss to De Luna.

But the top Filipino cue artist bounced back from the one-loss side by beating former double world champion Ronnie Alcano, 9-5, before trouncing Warren Kiamco, 9-6, and reigning International Predator 10-ball champion Dennis Orcullo, 9-7, to arrange a rematch with De Luna, who swept his way to the finals.

De Luna edged former world No. 1 Francisco “Django” Bustamante, 9-7, nipped Ricky Zerna, 9-8, before besting Orcullo, 9-5.